Pankind launches new Carers Support Program
A free Carers Support Program launched to strengthen support for those caring for people with pancreatic cancer across Australia.
Caring for someone living with pancreatic cancer can be deeply meaningful. It can also be overwhelming, isolating, and often invisible. That’s why we’ve launched the Pankind Carers Support Program. It’s free, structured one-to-one counselling delivered by a qualified professional, via telehealth or secure video to carers across the country. It’s a practical step forward, combining emotional support with research to improve how carers are supported into the future.
This is an important step forward. Because when we support carers, we strengthen the care around every person diagnosed.
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Carers matter - but are often overlooked when someone is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It doesn’t just affect one person, it affects everyone around them and that’s why we’ve launched a dedicated program for carers.
- Michelle Stewart, Pankind CEO
A program built around the real needs of carers
The Pankind Carers Support Program has been developed to provide tailored support, practical resources, and a stronger voice for those caring for someone with pancreatic cancer. The program builds on the PRoCESS trial led by A/ Professor Vanessa Beesley QIMR Berghoffer, which demonstrated that nurse-led counselling via telehealth can make a meaningful difference for carers of people living with pancreatic cancer.
At its core, the program offers one-to-one counselling sessions with a qualified professional, delivered by phone or secure video.
Each session focuses on the realities of caring for someone with pancreatic cancer - from managing emotional wellbeing to navigating complex healthcare systems.
Carers can access:
- Personalised counselling tailored to their situation.
- Guidance on coping strategies and emotional resilience.
- Clear, accessible information about pancreatic cancer and symptoms.
- Support to better understand and navigate healthcare and support services.
The program is designed to be flexible offering up to 10 sessions, each lasting around an hour, and scheduled at times that work for each participant.
This is support that fits around caring responsibilities - not the other way around.
Grounded in research, designed for impact
Alongside direct support, the program includes a research component to better understand the experiences of carers and evaluate what meaningful support looks like.
The program has received ethics approval, ensuring that all insights are handled with care, respect, and confidentiality.
This matters. Because improving outcomes for people impacted by pancreatic cancer means understanding the full picture, including the experiences of those who care for people impacted by this disease.
Through this work, we’re building evidence to:
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Strengthen support services for carers.
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Advocate for greater recognition of their role.
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Ensure future programs are shaped by real-world experience.
Previous observational research indicates that carers of people with pancreatic cancer have exceptionally high levels of unmet needs1 and are twice as likely to report anxiety.
- Amber, Pankind Head of Programs
Through this program we are listening, learning, and building evidence that can lead to meaningful change in the future.
Who can take part
The program is open to people across Australia who are supporting someone impacted by pancreatic cancer.
This includes:
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Primary carers and support people.
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Individual patients deemed suitable, primarily those without a strong primary carer or who are newly diagnosed and require support.
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Recently bereaved carers seeking support after loss.
Participation begins with a short screening process to ensure the program is the right fit for each person.
How to get involved
Carers can express interest or request a referral by contacting the team directly via:
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Email: carerssupport@pankind.org.au
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Phone: 1800 003 800
From there, eligible participants will be guided through the next steps and supported to begin the program.
Meet Natalie
The program is led by Natalie, whose work is grounded in compassion and a deep understanding of the pancreatic cancer community.
Natalie brings both professional expertise and a genuine commitment to listening. She understands that every carer’s experience is different and that meaningful support starts with hearing those stories.
Her approach is simple: create a safe space, build trust, and turn insight into action.
A shared step forward
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the toughest common cancers. Progress depends on all of us - including the carers who stand beside those diagnosed every day.
This program is a step towards recognising that role more clearly. And supporting it more effectively.
Together, we can build support that truly reflects the needs of our community - and move closer to a different future for everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer.
You can read more information on the program here.
